Ughhh! I know im late with the news, but seeing everyone’s updates via facebook and how happy my fellow hip hop heads have been reacting to the amazing news I had to do a write up and give praise to our new front runner to the hip hop game here in Seattle; Macklemore. Macklemore has been putting in work for years and it’s a beautiful time and feeling to embrace his it; considering there are a ton of hip hop artist running with the same cliche outfit/style/delivery.

With that said, our friends at Madnw.org have been putting out snippets of there up and coming documentary in the works. They’re working on a full length documentary surrounding Seattle’s hip-hop scene and this is just a taste. Congrats to Macklemore and congrats to YOU, the people of Seattle; who’ve been believeing in the music and for being proud of where we came from. Cheers to the next level.

Picture courtesy of hiphopwired.com

I know it’s been awhile but with the holidays and getting fat, I can say that “busy” was an understatement. The new year is here, but before my head gets chopped off or I pushed off the stage of Hip-Hop, I gotta post these photos of Wizdom’s listening party @ Rock Paper Scissors. It was a great turn out, tons of people enjoying and catching up before the madness during the holiday season. If you haven’t yet, download it off his itunes HERE and make sure to support the Seattle sound.

The man of the hour. Wizdom. Rockin’ our “Rain is Murder” T-shirt.

The homie’s Justo N Grynch.

Tiffany and Seattle’s dopest Jeweller, Brandon Minato. I’ll be posting up some of Brandon’s work sometime the end of this week.

Wizdom and Chikara, Owner of RPS.

Cant leave a party without exposing some of the shoe game, Jordans or Blake Gs? I dunno, but both are pretty truthful. Stay tuned for a full interview with Wizdom!

Today is our friend, Wizdom’s launch day of his third album titled, “Unearthed.” If I can sum up this album into one word I’d say, “Storytelling.” The album is packed with stories and his trials and tribulations of him being an artist. Support local and support it cause i said so, it’s Namsayin Approved. Click on photo to go to purchase his album.

In junction with his album release today, we will be teaming up with local seattle shop, RPS. RPS stands for ROCK PAPER SCISSORS and they’re located in the Central District. They sell everything from kicks, tees and more. Stay tuned for a blog post about their shop real soon.

He’s at it again, Wizdom! FACK! Stay tuned. A more indepth story behind the making of “Patience” is soon to come.

I caught up with Dj El Grande and we rapped about some projects that’s in the pipeline for him. If you don’t know Mr. El Grande he’s a resident at the local hot spots in Seattle. He’s super cool. Super cool that he’ kicked it with Keak da Sneak in a hotel party out in Eastern Washington one weekend and refuses to tell his story to anyone (Of course, he told me.) Aside from being a resident dj at Copper Cart he’s also a reputable music producer who’s been working with artists like Che-eye-p, KnM and Kings of Kush. He is set to release his EP and Album this summer titled “Versace Shade Flow” and “Edward Palmer The Polo Don” with some local artists making moves in the hip hop scene. Follow him, his tweets will crack you up @Djelgrande. Namsayin.

In their 12th year being a family/crew, Massive Monkees have continued to supply the Seattle Community every year with an event that showcases and highlights the 4 elements of hip hop. The day began steady as competitors trickled in to prepare for the preliminary battles in footwork and crew/crew battles. It’s been over 5 years since i’ve lasted attended Massive Monkees day and this day exceeded above my expectations as far as dance, music and the appreciation of hip hop. Namsayin was in for a treat! Fack! Please excuse the poor quality of shots. Bboys/girls were too dynamic for my camera’s shutter speed.

Aside from Namsayin participating the event, other vendors include Local Heroes, Rok Clothing, Zulu 206, 5-Hour Energy Drinks, Thebboyspot.com and the very own Massive Monkees; all loaded with merchandise. One thing I appreciate is the artistry within our community. We all have our unique style and direction, but our support for one another is something no other city has. MADnw.org was also in the building to do some coverage.

After the prelims were done and over with, crews like Knuckleheads Cali, Filthy Feet, Crisis Crew, Unleashed, Reflex, Vicious Puppies, Front Z On/Breakaholics and others battled it out for hours to a live band. In the finals of the Footwork competition, it was reigning 3-time reigning champ, Free, from Circle of Fire that battled it against new challenger, Thesis from KnuckeHeads Crew Cali. After 3 rounds, Thesis was crown’d champion. Fancy footwork fellas. Job well done to both.

The crew v.s crew battles were up next. The crews battled it out and after elimination, after elimination, KnuckleHeads from Cali and Van-city’s own Filthy Feet battled it out in the finals. Seven members from Cali, with their power, threading and clean movement came out victorious v.s Filthy Feets four clean and fundamental driven style. Props to all crew that participated, it was definitely a competition that was worthy seeing in person. Cardio and stamina for days, Namsayin! Be sure to follow Massive Monkees on twitter by clicking here, until then stay warm, summer is almost here. And you know what that means…….

Videos Courtesy of : NorthFreshWest

World Champion title holders, ABDC (America’s Best Dance Crew) 3rd place runner ups, internationally recognized, Seattle recognizes them with they’re own day; they are the Massive Monkees. They really don’t need any introduction because if you don’t know who they are by now, you’ve missed a big chunk of history when it comes to Seattle Hip-Hop. Starting in ’99 the crew of 20+ has grown to be one of the most well respected bboy crews in the world. They’ve shaped and helped the youth, battle the best across the world and have managed over the times to stay together as brothers/sisters; a family. I was fortunate enough to link up with Massive Monkees @ Southwest Community center in W. Seattle as they conducted their interview with MADnw.org.

Jeff from Madnw.org is shooting a documentary of the Seattle Hip-Hop scene. He, along with JR Celeski have teamed up to expose and bring sunshine to Seattle in exposing our music, our dance and our creative avenues/culture in Seattle. During the interview with MM, it was insighful to hear the lessons and struggles that this family has gone through. Before you think its some sad story, it isn’t. Laughs were pretty consistant through the interview, however it was real fresh listening to what members had to say about their personal passion of being a bboy/bgirl, the state of Hip-Hop in Seattle, who laid the foundation in the bboy scene in Seattle and what they have been doing to carry the bboy scene to the new generation of youtube junkies and realists.

After the interview, practice was in session. I caught some snaps of the fellas working their style and remaining real fresh. Although majority of the massive monkees weren’t there practicing the new generation of bboys/girls were looking solid and dynamic.

On april 26th, 2004 Mayor Greg Nickels made this day the offical Massive Monkees Day in the city of Seattle. I don’t know if they’re that many breakin’ crews or if any that have recieved this type of recoginition, but it definitely is an honor. Every year, Massive Monkees host an event in honor of their day. On April 23rd,…this Saturday, you can catch them exhibiting they’re style and hosting the battles at there 12yr Anniversary shindig. Check ‘em out, the local hip hop movement and stop by our booth and pick up some Namsayin Shirts. Pre-lims begin at noon and the event runs till 11pm. Time to practice my moves, Namsayin! Airflair while holding my nuts! Fack!